A Long Weekend in Copenhagen
Copenhagen exudes a chic, laid-back vibe that radiates positivity and healthy living.
As you wander through its picturesque streets, the city's emphasis on sustainability and community is clear. From the stylish neighbourhoods to the vibrant culinary scene, Copenhagen offers a weekend escape that's both enriching and refreshing. Here’s a lil story for you.. on our last day in Copenhagen, I remember leaving our Airbnb in Norrebro, and trying to work out the waste system. I asked a stranger on the street if they knew where a recycling point was for our household waste. He politely responded to tell me that I should give any glass waste to a group of homeless people located in the square behind us, because Danish citizens get paid a small amount of money per bottle recycled. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that incentivising your citizens to do good, works. The city is unbelievably clean, and has a sophistication to it that matches the pride its residents take in calling this city home.
Getting Around
In Copenhagen, cycling is not just a mode of transport; it's a way of life. The city's extensive network of bike lanes makes it easy to explore on two wheels. We used the Donkey Republic app to rent bikes, and while they do take a large deposit, it's promptly refunded when you return the bikes. Lime and Tier e-scooters are another fun, albeit pricier, option. In fact, we didn't use public transport at all—everything is easily accessible by bike or on foot.
Norrebro: Vibey + Relaxed
We stayed in Norrebro, my favorite area in Copenhagen. This neighbourhood feels young, fun, and full of life, with a fantastic array of bars and shops. Spending a day here is a must.
Pompette: This stylish French wine bar is perfect for an aperitivo. I highly recommend trying the ricotta and anchovies along with a bottle of Stein Alsace Riesling.
Brus: A great spot for a pre-dinner or post-dinner drink. The beer garden is lovely on sunny days, and the inside is spacious with good music.
Stefansgade and Jaegersborggade: These 2 streets are lined with charming boutique shops, ideal for a leisurely stroll and some unique finds, as well as an excellent photo opp! It reminded me of some of the wide boulevards in suburbian Paris.
Neighbourhood Pizza: Located on Stefansgade, this spot serves a delightful fig and ham pizza.
Elmegade: Another pretty shopping street with a variety of shops to explore.
Baest: Though we didn’t go, it comes highly recommended for its pizza and is conveniently located near Brus and Pompette.
Vesterbro: Vibrant + Alive
Vesterbro, particularly the meat-packing district, has a grungier, more eclectic vibe. It’s worth spending an afternoon here and having dinner in the meat-packing district.
Fleisch: Enjoy an icy cold Pilsner and smørrebrød for lunch in the heart of the meat-packing district.
Kodbyens Fiskebar: This seafood spot was great for lunch, offering a buzzing atmosphere full of life all around you.
Istedgade: A great shopping street with a mix of boutiques and cafes. Walk further down from the meat-packing district for nicer shops.
Exploring the City
Copenhagen’s city center is brimming with must-visit spots. Biking through Nyhavn with its iconic colorful houses is a delightful experience, though it's best just to admire the view rather than eat there due to its touristy nature.
Vaekst: A stunning dinner spot with a greenhouse setting inside the restaurant. A three-course meal with paired wine costs around £70, and booking a table is essential.
Slurp: This ramen joint is fantastic, though it's closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Torvehallerne: A central food market ideal for charcuterie, cheese, wine, and a leisurely lunch. Don’t miss this!
Pluto: A modern restaurant with reasonable prices by Copenhagen standards, featuring big open glass doors and a lively atmosphere.
Lille Bakery
Worth Mentioning…
Venturing to the other side of town reveals more of Copenhagen’s charm:
Lille Bakery: Set up by a former Noma pastry chef, this bakery offers incredible food in a very cool setting with both indoor and outdoor seating.
Noma: For those wanting to splurge, this world-renowned restaurant is an unforgettable experience. Rated the no.1 restaurant in the world for several years running, it’s difficult to get a table unless you reserve well in advance.
La Banchina: A lunch spot where you can swim and use the sauna. It’s expensive but gorgeous—be sure to book a table.
Christiana: This freetown within the city has its own unique rules and community. While the initial stretch can feel dodgy, continuing down to the water reveals a much prettier side. Because of it’s unique nature, you’ll find many other tourists wandering around, which therefore attracts some more illicit tradings. I wouldn’t plan to spend any time here, but I’m sure like us, you want to visit out of intrigue.
Frederiksberg Have: An absolutely stunning park, and while Copenhagen has many parks, this one is my favorite.
The Cost of Visiting Copenhagen
Copenhagen is known for its high standard of living, which is reflected in the cost of everyday activities. Dining out feels like a luxury, with most restaurants we visited costing upwards of £50pp. If you choose to imbibe on some wine with your meal, this will significantly increase the cost, that being said we did try some excellent natural wines during our time there - so we found it to be always worth the high costs. Renting a bike via Donkey Republic costs about £3-5 per hour, with a refundable deposit.
While it's more economical to explore on foot or by bike, e-scooters can add up quickly.
Copenhagen’s chic, healthy, and positive energy makes it a perfect weekend destination. I’m used to planning my holidays in the hotter, more beach-y countries of Spain & Portugal, and this weekender in Copenhagen reminded me of why I love travel and experiencing new countries. Whether you're cycling through its scenic streets, indulging in delicious food, or soaking up the local culture, the city promises a refreshing and memorable weekend away.
